The holiday season has officially begun within the City of Hazleton, thanks to a series of community events designed to bring residents together and highlight local partnerships.
Hazleton for the Holidays – a collaboration between the City of Hazleton, CAN DO, Inc., the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress (DHAP), the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, the Hazleton Art League, the Hazleton Public Library, and the Hazleton LaunchBox supported by Pasco L. Schiavo Esq. – returned this December with a schedule of events that continued annual traditions.
Festivities began on Wednesday, December 3rd, with Mayor Jeff Cusat’s City Hall Tree Lighting, where community members gathered for seasonal performances and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Students from Charis Academy served hot chocolate while across the street, the Hazleton Public Library welcomed young guests to a Character Meet-and-Greet with Frosty the Snowman.
Later that evening, the 32nd Annual CAN DO Community Christmas took place next door at Christ Lutheran Church, where local students showcased their musical talents. Audiences enjoyed selections from the McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary/Middle School Chorus conducted by Sandra Hoppey; the Hazleton Area High School Chorus directed by Kim Sharanoff; MMI’s Black Diamond Chorale under the direction of Jen Gerhardt; the Hazleton Area High School Jazz Ensemble led by Helen Rettger; and Heights-Terrace’s 3rd Grade Choir led by Rachel Brimmer.
Following the concert, Santa and Mrs. Claus returned to greet the crowd and distribute candy donated by The Hershey Company and Romark Logistics. Guests also received cookies and water courtesy of Keystone Job Corps and Niagara Bottling. The concert was recorded by WYLN TV 35 and can be viewed on Christ Lutheran Church’s YouTube channel. The cable broadcast is scheduled to air on Sunday, December 14th at 2 PM; Wednesday, December 17th at 7 PM; Saturday, December 20th at 1 PM; and Tuesday, December 23rd at noon.
On Friday, December 5th, the celebration continued with the 5th Annual CAN DO Community Park Tree Lighting. The ceremony featured the lighting of CAN DO’s 22-foot smart Christmas tree and hot chocolate served by the CAN DO Student Action Committee, with supplies donated by the Schwear Family. Guests also enjoyed a performance by the Olde Towne Carolers and holiday music throughout the evening.
Concurrently, DHAP’s Wassailfest & Downtown Hazleton Night Market brought vendors, tasting stops, and local businesses together along Broad Street. Participants received free commemorative mugs and tote bags to use throughout the evening. This year, around 400 community members participated, along with 14 vendors and artisans and 20 local businesses, with Night Market vendors located inside the Hazleton Art League and the Broad Street Business Exchange.
Participating businesses included Allure Beauty, Artfully Upcycled, Balbuses Skill Games, Bambi’s Crafting, Boost Mobile, Café Lima, Clinica Dental Dr. Christian Santana DDS PC, D & N Furniture, D’ Perez Barbershop, Dragon Chinese Restaurant, Edward Jones, El Closet de Oro, Fellin’s Jewelers, Fig and Field, Hacie’s Art Shop, Hazleton Art League, Jimmy’s Quick Lunch, Jewelry Create Boutique, Jewelry Vendor, JUNKO’S Cigar Lounge, Laser Art By Kristy, Lily Beans Bowtique LLC., Luisa’s Restaurant, Luzerne County Community College, Pesto Restaurant, Sealed With a Kiss Cupcakes, StickerDad, Stella Blue Creations, The Hazleton LaunchBox supported by Pasco L. Schiavo, Esq., The Pines Eatery & Spirits, VR Crafts and Gifts, Whimsical Thoughts, Wicked Stitches, and a local jewelry vendor.
The Hazleton Art League also opened its newest gallery exhibition, “Abstract Landscapes” by Earl W. Lehman, which will remain on display through Sunday, January 25th. Additionally, families visited the Hazleton LaunchBox for a Meet & Greet with Santa, supported by Amazon AVP1 and the Pennsylvania State Police.
The season’s festivities continue each Sunday through December 21st with the City of Hazleton’s Santa Parades and Christmas Village. Santa and Mrs. Claus travel through the city’s neighborhoods before arriving at the Hazleton Art League, where the Christmas Village features weekly vendors offering handmade items, artisan goods, and seasonal treats.
Hazleton for the Holidays is a collaborative effort made possible by the commitment of community partners, volunteers, and generous sponsors. Support for this year’s events was provided by MMI Preparatory School, AJ Roofing, American Eagle Outfitters, Brian Galada Electric, and Ingram Micro. Additional event sponsors included Baranko’s Pizza, Christ Lutheran Church, Community Bank, N.A., Cross Valley Federal Credit Union, Deb Stone Interiors, Hayden Power Group, The Hershey Company, Janney Montgomery Scott, Keystone Job Corps, Luzerne County Community College, Niagara Bottling, Penn State Hazleton, PFNonwovens, Romark Logistics, The Schwear Family, Stray Threads Screen Printing, T. Platek Contracting, Tri-State Security Solutions, and WYLN TV 35.
For more information on the City of Hazleton’s holiday celebrations, visit HazletonForTheHolidays.com or contact Hazleton Parks and Recreation’s Recreation Director, Ali McKittrick, at amckittrick@cityofhazleton.org or CAN DO’s Marketing Communications Specialist, Miguel Polanco, at mpolanco@hazletoncando.com.
